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The 10 Best Hostels in Cape Town, South Africa

Some of the best backpacker spots in Cape Town

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Wonderful: 9+ Very Good: 8+ Good: 7+ Pleasant: 6+
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Free parking is available, a tour desk can help to organise any day excursions and an airport shuttle at a charge. THE BIG is centrally located just a 5 minutes' walk to V&A Waterfront and Sea Point Promenade, The BIG offers a choice of modern private room or dormitory room accommodation. It features a pool, braai facilities and free Wi-Fi and a free breakfast.

Everything The Big exceeded my expectations. Breakfast was always fresh and delicious, our private room was more than adequate and the location was perfect! It was so fun the meet other travelers visiting Cape Town and being able to make connections and go visiting together!

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9.1
Wonderful
570 reviews
Price from
$29
per night

Situated in Cape Town, 300 metres from Blouberg Beach, Cape Town Surf Hostel & Lodge features accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a shared lounge. Among the various facilities are a terrace, a bar, as well as barbecue facilities. The accommodation offers evening entertainment and a shared kitchen.

great staff, good location, easy in/out security gate w/ code. They even let me store my kiteboard bag for a month, while traveling around Africa to come back and pick it up on my way out of capetown. A lifesaver, not dragging a kitebag around

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9.7
Exceptional
6 reviews
Price from
$46
per night

With minimalistic and modern design, the hostel offers en-suite private and dormitory rooms as well as a unique air-conditioned pod accommodation. Features include extra long beds, reading lights, electric plugs and lockable storage space. Linen and towels are provided.

The staff is incredible, they will make anything possible to make you stay at the best, all of this with a big smile. the hostel is clean, and u also have free breakfast. You can’t find better with this price, also the location is perfect!

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8.3
Very Good
1,964 reviews
Price from
$13
per night

The property offers modern, private rooms or dormitory accommodation. Most rooms have an en-suite bathroom while others share a communal bathroom. Each room is air-conditioned and the dormitories are fitted with bunk beds, international charging points, a compartment locker and reading lights on each bed.

Everything was incredible, nothing to complain about. Probably the best hostel I've ever stayed!

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8.8
Excellent
1,131 reviews
Price from
$19
per night

Table Mountain is 5.3 km from Zebra Crossing Backpacker, while CTICC is 6.4 km from the property. The nearest airport is Cape Town International, 21 km from the hostel, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.

Lots of space. Good value for money.

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8.5
Very Good
362 reviews
Price from
$17
per night

Located on bustling Long Street in the Cape Town City Centre, Longstreet Backpackers features BBQ facilities and sun terrace. Free WiFi is available.

The Company’s Garden is 300 metres from Longstreet Backpackers, while Long Street Supermarket is 77 metres away. The nearest airport is Cape Town International Airport, 21 km from Longstreet Backpackers.

Amazing people, good times! Staff are the best!

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8.1
Very Good
969 reviews
Price from
$7
per night

The property offers modern, private rooms or dormitory accommodations. All rooms have a private bathroom. Each room has a ceiling fan and the dormitories are fitted with bunk beds, international charging points, a compartment locker, and reading lights on each bed.

Excellent Location, awesome people overall enjoyable stay.

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8.3
Very Good
655 reviews
Price from
$19
per night

A Victorian mansion style establishment hosts the Ashanti Lodge Backpackers. Located close to the foot of Table Mountain, the wooden sun deck and the garden of the hostel offer views of the landscape.

Accommodations include bright dormitory rooms and private rooms. Some features normal bed or iron wrought bunk beds. All have a decor with designer touch.

The staff was very friendly and we liked having our room off to the side of the hostel. The internet worked well and the room was cozy.

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8.4
Very Good
233 reviews
Price from
$16
per night

The brightly coloured rooms have a South African décor. All rooms include a tea-and-coffee-making facilities and free Wi-Fi. They also have safety deposit boxes, a hair dryer, and heaters for cold nights.

The place is amazing, I stayed three weeks and would have loved to stay longer. It feels like a home. It was very quiet, cozy and in a great location.

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8.7
Excellent
342 reviews
Price from
$41
per night

Nestled between Table Mountain and Three Anchor Bay, A Sunflower Stop is next to Cape Town’s Green Point Common. With free Wi-Fi throughout, it has an outdoor pool and offers private and shared accommodation.

Sunflower rooms include lockers and simple furnishings. Some rooms include a private bathroom with a shower. Full linen is supplied and each room is cleaned daily.

Friendly staff and overall welcoming vibe

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8.2
Very Good
760 reviews
Price from
$16
per night

Looking for a hostel?

Budget travelers know there's no better way to make the most of their trip than by staying at a hostel: Save money for exploring during the day, and swap stories with fellow backpackers in the shared kitchen or bar in the evening. Dorm-style bedrooms with shared bathrooms are standard hostel fare, but private rooms are also available for those willing to pay a little more.
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  • THE BIG - Luxury Backpackers
    9.1
    Scored 9.1
    Wonderful
    Rated wonderful
     · 570 reviews

    THE BIG is a newly renovated Luxury Hostel in Green Point, Cape Town and is the first of its kind.

    The staff and the vibe at the hostel were exeptional.

  • 91 Loop Boutique Hostel
    8.3
    Scored 8.3
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 1,964 reviews

    Located in the city center of Cape Town, 91 Loop is just a stroll away from Long Street and Green Market Square.

    The Staff was so respectful, helpful and welcoming

  • Never at Home Green Point
    8.8
    Scored 8.8
    Excellent
    Rated excellent
     · 1,131 reviews

    Located in the trendy suburb of Green Point, never@home is a 5-star hostel located within 2625 feet of the Cape Town Stadium and 0.6 mi from the V&A Waterfront.

    Awesome friendliness of all staff. Clean at all areas.

  • Zebra Crossing Backpacker
    8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 362 reviews

    Located in Cape Town, 2 miles from Robben Island Ferry, Zebra Crossing Backpacker has accommodations with a garden, private parking, a shared lounge and a bar.

    So relaxed and peaceful. Always a good atmosphere.

  • Never at Home Kloof Street
    8.3
    Scored 8.3
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 655 reviews

    Located on the vibrant Kloof Street. Offering free Wi-Fi, it is 1640 feet from De Waal Park and 1.2 mi from the Castle of Good Hope. Kloof Street offers single beds in dorms with a shared bathroom.

    Lovely stay and Peter at reception was so helpful.

  • Ashanti Lodge Backpackers
    8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 233 reviews

    A Victorian mansion style establishment hosts the Ashanti Lodge Backpackers. Located close to the foot of Table Mountain, the wooden sun deck and the garden of the hostel offer views of the landscape.

    It’s in a safe area and the property is very clean

  • Ben Your Friend Youth Foundation
    8.3
    Scored 8.3
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 18 reviews

    Ben Your Friend Youth Foundation has a garden, shared lounge, a terrace and water sports facilities in Cape Town.

    Great hostel vibe that made me feel at home instantly.

  • Auberge Gardens
    Budget options available
    6.2
    Scored 6.2
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 220 reviews

    Located in Cape Town, 2.3 miles from Robben Island Ferry, Auberge Gardens has accommodations with an outdoor swimming pool, private parking, a fitness center and a garden.

    I liked the layout of the room and the roof top bar

Great access to the city center! Check these hostels in Cape Town

  • Cape Town Surf Hostel & Lodge
    9.7
    Scored 9.7
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 6 reviews

    Located in Cape Town, a 4-minute walk from Blouberg Beach, Cape Town Surf Hostel & Lodge has accommodations with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a shared lounge.

  • Serenity Shores Backpackers
    8.8
    Scored 8.8
    Excellent
    Rated excellent
     · 18 reviews

    Located in Cape Town and with Blouberg Beach reachable within a 6-minute walk, Serenity Shores Backpackers provides a garden, non-smoking rooms, free WiFi and a shared lounge.

    Great location. Very clean. Everyone very friendly and helpful.

  • House on the Hill
    8.7
    Scored 8.7
    Excellent
    Rated excellent
     · 342 reviews

    House on the Hill is an eco-conscious, owner managed guest house located in Green Point, Cape Town, just 0.6 mi from the V&A Waterfront.

    Friendly and helpful staff. Clean room. Central location.

  • A Sunflower Stop Backpackers
    8.2
    Scored 8.2
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 763 reviews

    Nestled between Table Mountain and Three Anchor Bay, A Sunflower Stop is next to Cape Town’s Green Point Common.

    proximity to delicatessen hotel’s & waterfront

  • Long Street Backpackers
    8.1
    Scored 8.1
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 969 reviews

    Located on bustling Long Street in the Cape Town City Center, Longstreet Backpackers features BBQ facilities and sun terrace. Free WiFi is available.

    All the staff, are warm, friendly, and very accommodating.

  • Urban Hive Backpackers
    7.5
    Scored 7.5
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,070 reviews

    Located within a heritage building with Victorian style architecture, Urban Hive Backpackers is set on buzzing Long Street in central Cape Town. Free WiFi is available throughout.

    Really nice staff and orientation - great location

  • The Lenox
    7.3
    Scored 7.3
    Good
    Rated good
     · 122 reviews

    Located in Cape Town, 2.3 miles from Robben Island Ferry, The Lenox provides accommodations with a garden, private parking, a shared lounge and a terrace.

    Wow the bed was comfortable ..the staff the welcome me with a smile

  • Big Blue Backpackers
    7.2
    Scored 7.2
    Good
    Rated good
     · 700 reviews

    Big Blue Backpackers is located in Green Point and within 10 minutes' walk from the famous V&A Waterfront. The Victorian mansion offers free WiFi connection, and it has an outdoor swimming pool.

    Rooms were clean and comfortable. Excellent location.

  • MoTown by Mojo
    6.5
    Scored 6.5
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 840 reviews

    Centrally located in Sea Point, MoTown offers free WiFi throughout and is just a 5-minute walk from the Mojo Market. The Sea Point Promenade and beach is 1640 feet away.

    Everything, really cool spot. Staff are helpful and friendly.

  • Green Elephant Backpackers
    6.5
    Scored 6.5
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 466 reviews

    Located in the heart of Observatory in Cape Town, a lively student area, Green Elephant Backpackers offers budget accommodations. It features an outdoor pool and barbecue facilities.

    Loved the privacy and safety including bar on site

  • Home Away From Home
    3.9
    Scored 3.9
    Poor
    Rated poor
     · 9 reviews

    Offering free WiFi, Home Away From Home offers accommodations in Cape Town, 2.4 miles from V&A Waterfront and a 19-minute walk from CTICC.

  • M & B Backpackers
    3.0
    Scored 3.0
    Poor
    Rated poor
     · 1 review

    Located conveniently in the center of Cape Town, M & B Backpackers has air-conditioned rooms, a fitness center, free WiFi and a shared lounge.

  • Jerusalem Backpackers

    Jerusalem Backpackers is offering accommodations in Cape Town. The property is around 2.7 miles from Robben Island Ferry, 3.7 miles from V&A Waterfront and 6 miles from Kirstenbosch National Botanical...

FAQ about hostels in Cape Town







Hostels that guests love in Cape Town

  • Avg. price/night: $213.20
    8.3
    Scored 8.3
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 449 reviews
    Great location in safe area. Short walk to V&A waterfront. Staff very helpful. Arranged trips for us in advance. Restaurant food very good. Nice old colonial bar.
    Karen
    Young couple
  • 8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 11 reviews
    The pool views were amazing. Great location you could walk to shops and restaurants very safe area
    Judith Walker
    Solo traveler
  • Avg. price/night: $36.73
    7.1
    Scored 7.1
    Good
    Rated good
     · 3,719 reviews
    Great location (with stunning market down below), clean, modern, huge comfy beds and pillows, super helpful and friendly staff with safe off street parking, upstairs deck with stunning sea views!
    Mark
    Solo traveler
  • 8.9
    Scored 8.9
    Excellent
    Rated excellent
     · 2,011 reviews
    Clean and comfortable - great location and nice little touches provided for example some tea , coffee and bottle of wine . Lovely furniture throughout , very safe with security and easy access to v & a waterfront, which was a 10 minute walk - would stay again.
    Joanne
    Young couple
  • 9.1
    Scored 9.1
    Wonderful
    Rated wonderful
     · 39 reviews
    This property is in a great location. Close to lots of entertainment but also quiet and safe. Apartment is very nice and spacious.
    Razaan
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: $93.24
    8.7
    Scored 8.7
    Excellent
    Rated excellent
     · 252 reviews
    Exceptional room with washer/dryer and dishwasher even though we went for the cheapest room. Nearly new, very clean and high spec. Felt safe and secure. Good parking. In a quiet area a short walk from the main street. Friendly staff (thank you Andiswa).
    Stephen
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: $49.81
    8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 362 reviews
    I don't even know where to start, but this is the best hostel I have ever been to. The staff is super nice, my room was super clean, they had enough bathrooms that I felt like I had my own, and their tour office has such a nice selection of activities at a reasonable price. Being a solo traveler, I felt safe and well treated, if not protected. Thank you for making my trip unforgettable.
    Margherita
    Solo traveler
  • Avg. price/night: $100.12
    9.1
    Scored 9.1
    Wonderful
    Rated wonderful
     · 570 reviews
    Best hostel I have been at so far. Nice design that feels like home. I felt safe 24/7 in this property and neighborhood. It is great for solo traveler as you might meet other people like you. The staff is amazing - kudos to you! Thank you for making my stay incredible! :)
    Manuela
    Solo traveler
  • Avg. price/night: $167.23
    8.8
    Scored 8.8
    Excellent
    Rated excellent
     · 2,072 reviews
    Great location, walking distance from a small mall with shops like dischem, clicks and Woolworths which are great for essentials. Heated pool and Spa are divine. Both restaurants serve really lovely food. rooms are spacious and clean, staff are very helpful. And the overall area is very safe, perfect place for tourist looking to visit capetown as everything is a cheap, Uber away.
    Deloris
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: $40.33
    7.5
    Scored 7.5
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,070 reviews
    Best hostel experience ever! Great location with cool people. And the staff was amazing. They cared about the guests so much. We could leave our luggage after check out for almost one more day, we could use their printer for our boarding pass and we could even borough an adapter for European plugs. Will come back :)
    Catharina
    Young couple

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